Westward Migration
This inquiry prompts students to investigate the factors, conditions, and conflicts related to westward expansion in the United States before the Civil War. In the inquiry, students wrestle with various economic, geographic, and social ideas as they consider the value of the push westward. The compelling question “Was it destiny to move west?” prompts students to think about the historical justification for white Americans moving west in light of what we now understand as the problems associated with that expansion. In doing so, students explore the economic, geographic, and social conditions as well as ways new technologies contributed to westward expansion. Students also examine conflicts that arose as whites encountered Native peoples as well as the conflicts with Mexico over western lands.
http://www.c3teachers.org/inquiries/westward-migration/
Human-Environment Interaction
This inquiry leads students through an investigation of human-environment interactions using the ahupua’a of Waimanalo and Kailua as a case study. By investigating the compelling question, students examine the environmental particulars of their region, the ways in which humans have historically interacted with the environment, and the current environmental characteristics. This inquiry embeds the Taking Informed Action sequence, wherein students understand and assess the impact of the human-environmental relationship and act on their proposals to address the negative impacts of human settlement.
http://www.c3teachers.org/inquiries/human-environment-interaction/
The Columbian Exchange
In this blended lesson supporting literacy skills, students watch video dramatizations that tell the story of the Spanish explorers who arrived in the Americas with Columbus and introduced European, African, and Asian plants and animals to the Western Hemisphere. Students develop their literacy skills through a social studies focus on how the the Columbian Exchange impacted life on both sides of the Atlantic. During this process, they read informational text, learn and practice vocabulary words, and explore content through videos and interactive activities. This resource is part of the Inspiring Middle School Literacy Collection.
https://vegas.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/midlit11.soc.splcol/the-columbian-exchange/#.WiyYV1WnGUl
PROJECT TAHOE: A LEGACY PROJECT OF THE NORTHERN NEVADA TEACHING AMERICAN HISTORY GRANT, 2009-2013.
Project TAHOE reflects the committed work of teachers from Northern Nevada since 2006. The work began through Teaching American History Grants and continues because many Social Studies teachers in our region have experienced the benefits teacher collaboration and of creating and implementing high leverage, rigorous lessons that engage ALL students in the work of thinking like historians.
All grade-level lessons are are aligned to Common Core State Standards and to our Nevada Content Standards (NVACs if you live in Nevada).
All grade-level lessons are are aligned to Common Core State Standards and to our Nevada Content Standards (NVACs if you live in Nevada).
http://projecttahoe.org/